Creating candied bacon is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect balance of sweet and savory:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Bacon: Lay the thick-cut bacon strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they do not overlap.
3. Mix Sugar and Spices: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar with black pepper and cayenne pepper, if using. Mix well to combine.
4. Coat Bacon: Sprinkle the sugar mixture generously over each bacon slice, ensuring an even coating. You can also drizzle maple syrup over the bacon for added flavor.
5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. The bacon should be crispy and caramelized.
6. Flip and Cook: Halfway through cooking, carefully flip the bacon to ensure even cooking. Return to the oven for the remaining time.
7. Cool: Once cooked, remove the bacon from the oven and allow it to cool on the baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes. This will help it become crispy.
8. Serve: After cooling, the candied bacon is ready to be enjoyed! You can break it into pieces or serve it whole.

These straightforward steps will guide you through making this incredible candied bacon effortlessly.