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Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
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Wash the outside of the baked potatoes throughly. Use a soft scrub brush if you have one.
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Poke about 10 holes into each potato using a fork or knife. Spread them out all over the potatoes, not all in one place.
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Coat the outside of each potato with olive oil. You want it lightly coated but not dripping.
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Sprinkle coarse salt on the outside- optional. I put one to two twists of a salt grinder on each side.
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Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes. Potatoes are done when you can easily pierce all the way through with a fork or knife.
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While they are still hot, slice along the top of each potato with a knife. Do not cut all the way through. Taking a towel or oven mitts, grab hold of each side of a potato and squeeze while pushing towards the middle. This will open the potato and easily break it up inside. Repeat with any remaining potatoes you plan to serve immediately.
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For the potatoes you are planning to save for later, leave uncut and place in the refrigerator. When ready to use, take out desired number of potatoes and heat in microwave until heated through.
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Serve with butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon, chives, chili, or any other toppings.