Oscar Mayer thick cut or double-thick cut bacon (about 12 slices per pound). (Note: Regular thin bacon at 16 slices/pound will just disintegrate when taking off the rack.)
Baking sheet (half-sheet pan) with wire rack (holes about 1/2 inch apart)
(half-sheet pan example on Amazon)
4 cups dark brown sugar (=one 32oz. pkg.)
1/4 cup kosher salt
3/8 cup chili powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp ground mustard
Mix above ingredients well.
Cooking procedure
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line half-sheet pan with foil. Spray wire rack with Pam for easier removal later and place in pan. Lay out the slices and apply about 1/2 oz. of rub to top side of each slice, rub in and pat down. (It should look like sand on your foot at the beach.) Carefully turn slices over and apply to the other side.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, turning at 15 minutes. (Be careful not to slosh the bacon grease!) Note: Ovens vary widely so check carefully during the last 10 minutes. The rub should be melted and shiny, but not smoking.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes or so. (If left longer they will be more difficult to remove.)
Remove to a plastic or glass plate. (Don’t use paper plates because they will stick like glue!)
Enjoy!
Makes enough for 4 or more applications. (Don’t worry, it basically stores forever!)