Twice Baked Ranch Potatoes

I made these for my parents anniversary and they were amazing.  I really love them.  I can't wait to make them again.

Here's the recipe:

INGREDIENTS

• 4 large baking potatoes washed, patted dry, pierce potato 6 – 8 times with fork
• 2 tablespoon ranch dressing
• ½ cup sour cream
• 4 tablespoons butter softened
• ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ cup grated cheese divided into ½ cup portion and ¼ cup portion
• 2 green onions chopped
• bacon bits
• paprika for garnish
• Anything else you like on baked potatoes will be good on these 

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Place pierced potatoes, not touching, on a large baking sheet. Bake potatoes in a 350°F oven for 1 to 1 ½ hours until done. Let them cool 10–15 minutes.
• Skim the  top of the potatoes about 1/2 in. away from half. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out flesh leaving ¼-inch of potato on the skin so they don’t break. Place potato skins on baking sheet and set aside.
• In a large bowl blend the following ingredients until well blended and creamy.
• - The scooped out potato flesh
• - ranch dressing
• - ½ cup sour cream
• - 4 tablespoons butter softened
• - ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• - ½ cup grated cheese
• - ¾ cup buttermilk
• Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary.
• spoon potato mixture evenly into potato skins
• Top with remaining ¼ cup cheese, green onions and bacon bits. Lightly sprinkle with paprika.

  (adapted from Hidden valley ranch recipie)