Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
Scrub potatoes clean
Pat potatoes dry
Poke each potato several times with a fork
Rub potatoes with olive oil (optional)
Sprinkle with salt (optional)
Place potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet
Bake 45–60 minutes for medium potatoes, 60–90 minutes for large potatoes
Check doneness by squeezing gently or inserting a fork (it should slide in easily)
Remove from oven
Cut a slit down the center
Fluff the inside with a fork
Add toppings (butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, bacon, salt, pepper)