Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
Scrub potatoes clean and pat dry
Pierce potatoes all over 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 (until easily pierced with a fork)
Optional: Bake 5–10 minutes longer for extra crisp skin
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes
Slice open lengthwise and fluff the inside with a fork
Add toppings (butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, bacon, salt, pepper)