Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne or red pepper flakes, and 1 tsp of freshly cracked pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.

Lay the bacon on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack with foil or parchment paper on the pan below to catch the drippings. Liberally sprinkle the brown sugar mixture on both sides of the bacon, rubbing it in.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the bacon in the last 10 minutes or so. You'll know the bacon is done when it starts to turn dark brown on the edges. Remove bacon slices from the wire rack and place on a plate to rest. It will get crispier as it cools.

In a small bowl, add butter, garlic, and parsley. Heat in the microwave for 20 seconds or until softened and partially melted.

Spread the butter mixture on the insides of both buns. Toast in a large skillet over low heat until it's golden brown. Flip and toast the opposite sides for about 1 minute, or until they are slightly browned.

To assemble the sliders, slice the bacon slices in thirds. Add mayonnaise to the bottom slider buns. Add lettuce onto each slider, followed by one tomato slice. Sprinkle salt and pepper directly on the tomatoes.

Top with three slices of bacon (one strip per slider). Place the top slider buns on inside-out with the toasted side exposed. Spread more mayo on the underside of the top slider buns and place them on top. Slice and serve.