Classic Baked Beans Side DishesBacon, baked beans, bean recipe, CIA, easy recipe, Molasses, Northarvest Bean Growers, red beans, The Culinary Institute of America, video Baked beans are an American classic. This updated version is perfectly balanced with sweetness from the molasses and brown sugar, smokiness from the bacon, and a bit of acid from the onion, mustard, and tomato paste. Using two different colors of beans creates a more visually appealing dish. To download a Spanish translation of this recipe click here.