Making Loaded New York Potato Skins is a straightforward process, but it does require a bit of patience to ensure the skins are perfectly crispy and the fillings are deliciously melty. Follow these steps to achieve the best results:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
   • Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
3. Bake the Potatoes:
   • Rub the potatoes with olive oil and place them directly on the oven rack. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Cool and Slice:
   • Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Once they are cool enough to handle, slice each potato in half lengthwise.
5. Scoop Out the Flesh:
   • Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the flesh from each potato half, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato on the skin. Reserve the scooped-out potato for another use, such as mashed potatoes.
6. Season the Skins:
   • Brush the insides of the potato skins with melted butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
7. Bake Again:
   • Place the potato skins on a baking sheet, skin side up, and bake for an additional 10 minutes to crisp up the skins.
8. Fill the Skins:
   • Flip the potato skins over and fill each one with shredded cheddar cheese and diced ham.
9. Melt the Cheese:
   • Return the filled potato skins to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish and Serve:
    • Remove from the oven and top each potato skin with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chives, and crumbled bacon (if using). Serve hot.