1. Prepare and Bake the Potatoes:

2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position a rack in the center of the oven.

3. Thoroughly wash and scrub the Russet potatoes to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin.

4. Using a fork, prick each potato 5-6 times all over. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the potatoes from exploding and helping the inside cook evenly.

5. Place the potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle them with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands to rub the oil, salt, and pepper evenly over the entire surface of each potato. The oil and salt are key to that delicious, crispy skin.

6. Place the seasoned potatoes directly on the oven rack. Baking them directly on the rack allows hot air to circulate around them, further contributing to crispy skin. If you prefer, you can place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.

7. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the skins are crispy and a fork or skewer can be easily inserted into the center of the potato with no resistance. The exact baking time will depend on the size of your potatoes. Larger potatoes may take longer.

8. Prepare the Steak Bites:

9. While the potatoes are baking (about 20 minutes before they are done), prepare the steak. Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them get a good sear.

10. In a medium bowl, combine the steak cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure each piece of steak is evenly coated with the spices. Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes if time allows; this helps it cook more evenly.

11. Heat a large skillet (cast iron is excellent for this) over medium-high heat. The pan needs to be hot to get a good sear on the steak. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or use the oil already coating the steak if it’s sufficient).

12. Once the oil is shimmering and the pan is hot, carefully add the steak bites in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will steam the steak instead of searing it.

13. Sear the steak bites for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned and cooked to your desired doneness. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 130-135°F (54-57°C). Avoid overcooking, as steak bites can become tough quickly.

14. During the last minute of cooking, if desired, you can add the optional tablespoon of butter and minced garlic to the pan. Swirl the pan to coat the steak bites in the garlic butter. This adds an extra layer of flavor and richness.

15. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and transfer them to a clean plate or cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and flavorful steak bites.

16. Assemble the Loaded Baked Potatoes:

17. Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully remove them from the oven using oven mitts. They will be very hot.

18. Place each baked potato on a serving plate. Using a sharp knife, make a deep slit lengthwise down the center of each potato, being careful not to cut all the way through.

19. Gently push the ends of the potato towards the center to open it up and fluff the interior with a fork. Be careful of the steam.

20. If desired, you can add a small pat of butter inside each potato at this stage and let it melt into the fluffy interior. Season the inside with a little salt and pepper if you like.

21. Divide the cooked steak bites evenly among the potatoes, piling them generously into the opening.

22. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the steak bites. If you want the cheese extra melty, you can pop the assembled potatoes back into the hot oven for a minute or two, or even under the broiler for 30-60 seconds (watch carefully to prevent burning!).

23. Top with a large dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or chives.

24. Add any other desired toppings, such as crispy fried onions or a dash of hot sauce.

25. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your delicious homemade Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites!