How We Make Our Homemade Burek and Pita: From Dough to Delicious Fillings

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 with the Dough

Authentic burek and pita begin with the dough—thin, stretchy, and perfectly elastic. We use only premium flour, a touch of salt, water, and a splash of oil. Our dough is mixed in our commercial Hobart mixers for consistency, but the magic happens by hand. After kneading, we let it rest until it’s soft and pliable.

The real artistry comes when we stretch the dough. Our bakers flour their work surfaces and use gentle, practiced hands to pull the dough into paper-thin sheets. This process takes patience and skill—no shortcuts, no machines. The goal is a dough so thin you can almost see through it, yet strong enough to hold generous fillings.

Preparing the Fillings: Savory and Satisfying

Our fillings are made fresh daily, using the best ingredients available. We use imported Balkan cheeses, fresh vegetables, and carefully sourced meats to ensure every bite is rich and flavorful.

Each filling is seasoned to perfection, never overpowering the delicate dough.

Layering and Rolling: The Signature Technique

Once the dough is stretched and the fillings are ready, it’s time to assemble. We brush the dough with a light layer of oil or butter for flakiness, then spoon on the filling. Depending on the variety, the dough is either rolled into spirals or layered in sheets, creating the distinctive look and texture of burek and pita.

Our bakers work quickly but carefully, ensuring even distribution of filling and perfect spirals or layers. Each piece is arranged on baking trays, brushed again for a golden finish, and allowed to rest before baking.

Baking to Perfection

Burek and pita are baked in our commercial ovens until the crust is crisp and golden, and the aroma fills our bakery. We monitor each batch closely—timing and temperature are key to achieving the perfect balance of flaky crust and moist, flavorful filling. Once baked, the pastries are left to cool slightly, making them easy to slice and serve.

Why Balkan Bakery Burek and Pita Stand Out

• Made fresh daily with premium, authentic ingredients

• Traditional hand-stretched dough for unmatched flakiness

• Generous, flavorful fillings with Balkan roots

• No shortcuts: every pastry is assembled and baked by hand

Burek and pita aren’t just food—they’re a taste of home, a symbol of celebration, and a staple for any gathering. When you choose Balkan Bakery, you’re choosing tradition, quality, and the warmth of a family recipe passed down through generations.

Ready to experience the real taste of the Balkans? Visit us in La Grange, IL, or order online at www.balkan-bakery.com. We can’t wait to share our homemade burek and pita with you!