- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Clean the Potatoes:
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. You can scrub them with a brush. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Prepare Potatoes:
- Pierce each potato several times with a fork or knife. This allows steam to escape during baking.
- Coat with Olive Oil and Salt:
- Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. This helps to crisp up the skin and adds flavor.
- Place on Baking Sheet:
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure there is space between each potato for even cooking.
- Bake in the Oven:
- Bake for about 60-75 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the center. If it goes in easily, they’re done.
- Optional: Crispy Skin (Optional):
- For extra crispy skin, you can brush the potatoes with more olive oil halfway through the baking time.
- Serve:
- Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven. Allow them to cool for a few minutes.
- Fluff the Insides:
- Slice each potato open and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Add Toppings:
- Add your favorite toppings such as butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, bacon bits, or any toppings of your choice.
- Serve Hot:
- Serve the baked potatoes hot as a side dish or a main course.
Enjoy your delicious baked potatoes with your favorite toppings!