Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Using a wooden spoon as a cradle, place each potato in the spoon and make several parallel slits into each potato top making sure not to slice completely through.

Place 3 garlic slices between slits at the crown of each potato. Toss in a medium bowl with butter and olive oil.

Place on a baking sheet lined with foil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper and place in the oven.

When the potatoes begin to “fan out” it’s time to make the magic happen. Carefully slip a hunk of bacon into each slit of the potato like so and continue to cook.

Once the potatoes and bacon are fully cooked (use a knife poke test), coat the potatoes with a heaping helping of shredded cheese.

Bake until tops are crispy and potatoes are cooked through, about 1 hour.