Heat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit or 232 degrees Celsius. Wash potatoes and dry. Poke potatoes with a fork 12 times, 3 on all sides. Place on foiled lined baking tray or rack on top of tray. Rub potatoes all over with oil. Sprinkle both sides of potato with salt. Place in heated oven for 1 hour 20 minutes. Cooking time depends on size of potato. Insert a knife into middle of potato and it should go in easily when cooked.
Slit top of potato to make a cross and push both sides in. Serve hot baked potato sprinkled with salt, ground black pepper and butter. Other toppings include sour cream, cream cheese or shredded cheese.