Ingredients

• thick-cut bacon
• light brown sugar or dark brown sugar
• cracked black pepper
• cayenne pepper
• crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet pan with a silicone liner, parchment paper, or aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
2. Lay thick-cut slices onto a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer until the sheet pan is full. Try to avoid overlapping slices if you don’t have to. If you have an oven-safe wire rack, elevate the slices over the sheet pan – this helps circulate heat.
3. Add brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes to a small bowl. Stir to combine.
4. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the slices. Use your hands to pat the sugar down, making sure to cover it all.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, or until brown and crispy, up to 40 minutes. Once done baking, remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes to allow the caramelized sugar to harden. Serve, and enjoy!