Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Prick them with a fork a few times to allow steam to escape while baking.
3. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the inside is soft and fluffy when pierced with a fork. Once done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

1. While the potatoes are baking, start on the Alfredo sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and let it heat through, stirring frequently for about 3-4 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
5. Season with black pepper, nutmeg (if using), and salt to taste. Remove from heat and set aside. The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

1. While the Alfredo sauce is cooling, cook the bacon. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon strips until crispy, about 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Prepare the Potatoes for Stuffing

1. Once the baked potatoes have cooled slightly, use a sharp knife to make a lengthwise slit in the top of each potato.
2. Gently squeeze the potato to open it up, being careful not to tear the skin.
3. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out some of the flesh from the center, leaving about ¼ inch of potato along the edges to create a “potato bowl.” Transfer the scooped-out potato into a medium mixing bowl.

Step 5: Mix the Alfredo Filling

1. Add about ½ cup of the Alfredo sauce to the potato flesh you scooped out earlier. If you want extra cheesiness, you can mix in some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese as well.
2. Mash the mixture with a fork or potato masher until smooth and well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Stuff the Potatoes

1. Spoon the Alfredo-potato mixture back into the potato skins, filling them generously. You can also top with additional shredded cheese for an extra gooey, cheesy finish.
2. Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for another 10-15 minutes until the tops are slightly golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Finish with Bacon and Serve

1. Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle the remaining Alfredo sauce over the top of each potato.
2. Sprinkle each potato with crumbled bacon, chopped parsley (if using), and a dollop of sour cream if you like.
3. Serve immediately while hot.