Adjust oven rack so it’s placed in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400F.

Prepare a baking sheet. Line with parchment paper or foil (for easy clean up) and place a fitted wire rack on top.

Lay the bacon slices on top of the rack. it’s ok if they touch but make sure they’re not overlapping.

Season with some freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Bake for 15-22 minutes or until the bacon is as "crispy" / browned as you like. Thicker cuts will take a little longer and thinner cuts won’t need quite as long. Bacon cuts can vary so watch closely at the end.

Let bacon cool / drain directly on the wire rack. Pat both sides with a paper towel to remove grease and help crisp up (or transfer to a paper towel lined plate). Bacon will crisp up even more as it cools.