Balkan Bakery Blog

In the heart of Chicago’s west suburbs, Balkan Bakery has always been about more than just baking. Our mission is to celebrate Balkan heritage, nurture community, and create a welcoming space where tradition meets innovation. One of the most impactful ways we do this is by working with other local businesses—fellow entrepreneurs who share our values of quality, authenticity, and hospitality. This commitment to collaboration came to life in a new way on October 18th, when we h

At Balkan Bakery, our story is one of family, tradition, and the enduring bonds that make a bakery more than just a place to buy bread and pastries. For us, running a family business isn’t just about recipes and revenue—it’s about honoring our roots, sharing our culture, and building a community that feels like home. In every loaf, every cake, and every warm greeting, you’ll find the spirit of our family, our traditions, and the friends who have become part of our journey. Th

Chicago is a city known for its vibrant food scene, but when it comes to Balkan products, one destination stands above the rest: Balkan Bakery. For anyone craving the flavors of Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia, or Montenegro, our bakery is your one-stop shop for authentic, high-quality Balkan goods. Whether you’re searching for the perfect pastry, specialty imports, or simply a taste of home, Balkan Bakery brings the heart of the Balkans to La Grange—and to your table. Why

Balkan cuisine is famous for its rich flavors, comforting textures, and the way it brings people together. Whether you’re craving flaky burek, savory cevapi, or a slice of decadent cake, the key to authentic Balkan food is in the details. At Balkan Bakery, we’re passionate about sharing the secrets of our kitchen so you can recreate the magic at home. Here are four actionable tips—packed with practical advice and Balkan food know-how—to help you make delicious Balkan dishes i

Pasulj, the iconic Balkan bean stew, is a dish that brings comfort, warmth, and nostalgia to every table. At Balkan Bakery, we know that the secret to an unforgettable pasulj lies not only in the slow-cooked beans and aromatic spices, but also in choosing the perfect smoked meats. Whether you’re a home cook looking to recreate Balkan flavors or a pasulj enthusiast on a quest for authenticity, this guide will help you discover the best smoked meats for your next pot of bean st

If you’ve ever tasted a slice of classic Balkan cake at Balkan Bakery, you know there’s nothing quite like it. The good news? With a little patience and a few simple ingredients, you can bring a taste of the Balkans to your own kitchen. Whether you’re craving a rich Jaffa cake, a creamy Kinder torta, or a nutty Bajadera, this guide will walk you through the essential steps and share some DIY ideas for baking your own classic Balkan cake at home. Why Bake a Balkan Cake? Balkan

At Balkan Bakery, our mission goes beyond baking. We believe food is a universal language, and sharing a plate is the purest way to express love and connection. In every golden burek, every slice of cake, and every cup of coffee, we strive to create moments that bring people together. This is the story of how we share love over a plate, and why it’s the heart of everything we do in La Grange, IL. The Power of Food to Connect Food has always played a central role in Balkan cul

At Balkan Bakery, our homemade burek and pita are more than just pastries—they’re a tribute to Balkan heritage and a cornerstone of our menu. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into crafting these flaky, savory specialties, we’re excited to take you behind the scenes. From mixing the dough to layering the fillings, every step is a labor of love and tradition. Here’s how we create the burek and pita that keep our La Grange, IL community coming back for more. The Secret Starts w

Balkan cuisine is a celebration of flavor, tradition, and community, renowned for its comforting pastries, savory meats, and rich desserts. For many, the mere mention of Balkan delicacies conjures memories of family gatherings, holiday feasts, and the unmistakable aroma of freshly baked bread or sizzling ćevapi. Yet, as more people seek to balance tradition with wellness, the question arises: how can you enjoy authentic Balkan food while making healthier choices? Whether you’

In the heart of every culture, food is more than sustenance—it is memory, tradition, and a living connection to the generations that came before us. For those who grew up in the Balkans or have roots in the region, the aroma of baking bread, the delicate layers of a homemade pastry, or the sizzling of grilled meats evoke powerful memories of family gatherings and festive holidays. In 2025, as global culinary trends continue to evolve, the desire for authentic, traditional Bal

Finding the perfect gift can be a challenge, whether you’re searching for a thoughtful birthday present, a memorable holiday surprise, or a way to say thank you to a friend, colleague, or family member. In a world filled with generic options, there’s something truly special about giving a gift that tells a story, evokes nostalgia, and brings people together. At Balkan Bakery, we believe the best gifts are the ones you can taste—and remember. If you want to create an ideal gif

The holiday season is a time when memories are made, families gather, and tables overflow with the kinds of desserts that evoke nostalgia and celebration. At Balkan Bakery, nestled in the heart of La Grange, Illinois, we believe that every holiday is sweeter with a taste of tradition. Our authentic European bakery specializes in bringing the rich flavors of the Balkans to Chicago, transforming festive moments into cherished memories with every bite. A Heritage of Holiday Swee

Balkan bakeries are cherished not just for their delicious pastries and breads, but for the stories, traditions, and sense of community they bring to every neighborhood—from the lively streets of Sarajevo to Chicago’s diverse suburbs. Whether you grew up with these flavors or are discovering them for the first time, Balkan bakeries offer a unique window into the region’s rich culture and culinary history. A Tradition Rooted in Heritage The Balkans—a region encompassing Serbia

If you’ve ever stepped into Balkan Bakery in La Grange, Illinois, you’ve probably noticed that our shelves are filled with more than just pastries—they’re filled with stories, memories, and a deep sense of tradition. As the current owner, I’m Marija Pejkovic, and I’d love to share a little about how the recipes we serve have traveled from grandmother to grandmother, and how I’ve found my own place in this beautiful journey. Embracing a Family Legacy When I joined the Balkan B

At Balkan Bakery, every pastry, specialty import, and new menu item begins with a story—and more often than not, that story starts with you. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. From the moment you step inside our bakery in La Grange, we’re listening: to your cravings, your memories, your suggestions, and even your critiques. This is how we keep our menu fresh, authentic, and always a reflection of the community we serve. Listening Is Our Secret Ingredient Runn

Craving an authentic taste of the Balkans right here in the heart of Illinois? Welcome to Balkan Bakery , a family-owned specialty store and bakery in La Grange that brings the rich culinary traditions of Serbia, Macedonia, and Croatia to Chicago’s doorstep. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Balkan cuisine or new to these irresistible flavors, our bakery is your passport to a world of unforgettable food experiences. From flaky burek and creamy jogurt to decadent Kinder cake an

More Than a Bakery—A Cultural Home At Balkan Bakery, our passion goes far beyond baking bread and pastries. We see ourselves as a...

Baking More Than Bread At Balkan Bakery, our ovens do more than bake bread and pastries—they keep a centuries-old culture alive. For many...

The Secret Behind Every Bite At Balkan Bakery, we know the secret to unforgettable desserts is all in the ingredients. Whether you’re...

If you’ve ever stepped into a Balkan bakery, you’ve likely noticed two irresistible pastries: burek and pita. They might look similar,...