Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
Scrub potatoes clean
Pat potatoes dry
Poke 6–8 holes in each potato with a fork
Rub skins with olive oil or melted butter
Sprinkle with salt
Place potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet
Bake 45–60 minutes for medium potatoes (75–90 minutes for large), until a knife slides in easily
Flip potatoes halfway through (optional)
Remove from oven and let rest 5–10 minutes
Cut a slit down the center and fluff the inside with a fork
Add desired toppings (butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, salt, pepper)