Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper (or foil, or use a rack).
Place the bacon in an even row on the baking sheets.
Bake in oven for 15 to 20 minutes. (Bacon won't be fully cooked, yet).
Remove from oven and place partially cooked bacon on 2 new sheets of parchment. Discard the used parchment and place the new back on the baking sheets.
Brush the syrup all over the bacon strips, and then sprinkle pepper all over.
Return to the oven for another 15 minutes, until darkened and fully cooked.
Serve at once, or keep warm in a 225F oven.