Heat oven to 425°F (220°C)
Scrub potatoes clean and dry
Poke each potato 6–8 times with a fork
Rub potatoes with olive oil
Sprinkle generously with salt
Place potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet
Bake 45–60 minutes, until skins are crisp and centers are tender
Turn potatoes halfway through bake time (optional)
Check doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should slide in easily
Rest potatoes 5 minutes
Cut a cross in the top of each potato
Fluff the insides with a fork
Add toppings as desired (butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, bacon, salt, pepper)