Preheat and prep: Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a large baking sheet with parchment or lightly coat it with nonstick spray.
Slice the potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes. Slice into 1/4-inch rounds. Thinner slices get crisper; thicker slices stay creamier—pick your favorite texture and keep the thickness consistent.
Season: In a large bowl, toss the slices with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
Arrange on the sheet: Lay the slices in a single layer with a little space between them.
Crowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.
Bake the first side: Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the bottoms are golden and the edges look dry and lightly crisp.
Flip and finish: Flip each slice and bake another 10–12 minutes. You want tender centers and browned edges.
Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the slices. Return to the oven for 3–5 minutes, just until melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Top with chopped chives or green onions.
Serve hot with sour cream, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.