Line your baking tray with parchment paper or foil. This keeps cleanup easy later. Place a wire rack on top if you have one. It helps the bacon cook evenly. Preheat your oven to 190°C. Make sure everything is ready before adding the bacon.

Place the bacon slices in a single layer. Do not overlap them. This ensures even cooking and crisp texture. Thick slices work best for this recipe. Leave a little space between each slice so heat can circulate well.

In a small saucepan, add brown sugar, maple syrup, soy sauce, and water. Heat on low flame. Stir until the sugar melts completely. The mixture should look smooth and glossy. Do not boil it too much.

Now add black pepper, chili flakes, and smoked paprika. Stir gently to mix everything. This gives that sweet, spicy, and smoky flavor. Taste the glaze carefully. Adjust spice level if needed.

Put the tray in the oven. Bake for about 10 minutes. The bacon will start to cook but not fully crisp yet. This step removes excess fat and prepares it for glazing.

Take the tray out carefully. Brush a layer of glaze on each bacon slice. Be gentle and coat evenly. This is where the magic begins. Return the tray to the oven.

Bake again for 10 minutes. The glaze will start to caramelize. Keep an eye on it so it does not burn. The smell at this stage is amazing.

Brush one more thin layer of glaze. Bake for another 5 minutes. The bacon should look shiny, sticky, and slightly crispy. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.