Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and top it with a baking rack. Spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray.
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, red pepper flakes and ground black pepper.
Use a dinner plate or cutting board to sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over both sides of each thick cut bacon strip, pressing to adhere.
Arrange the coated bacon slices on the wire rack over the prepared baking pan.
Cook until the bacon is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Cool on the pan for 10 minutes, and blot any excess bacon grease with paper towels. Serve and enjoy!