Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Scrub the potato very well under cold water. Pat the potato dry with a paper towel as best you can. Prick the potato all over with a fork, just piercing the skin.

Step 2

Place the potato on a baking sheet. Brush all over with olive oil. Sprinkle all over with the salt.

Step 3

Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick or knife slides in easily with no resistance. If it is not done in an hour I start checking every 10 minutes. Timing depends on how big the potato is, if it is on the smaller side, start checking at 45 minutes.

Step 4

Slice the top open, pinch the sides and press down and in to open the potato. Fluff the potato insides with a fork, add your favorite toppings such as salt and pepper, butter, sour cream, scallions, cheese, bacon crumbles, etc. Serve immediately.