This Himmel und Erde recipe is a traditional German dish made from mashed potatoes and apples, typically served with fried onions and sausage. It’s simple, filling, and rooted in everyday German home cooking.
Growing up, this was a dish my parents made often. For them, it wasn’t just comfort food — it was something they had eaten as children during wartime, when meals were built around simple, affordable ingredients like potatoes and apples.
In some neighboring regions, particularly in the Netherlands, a very similar dish is known as hete bliksem, which also combines potatoes and apples into a hearty, rustic mash. While the names and slight variations differ, the idea behind the dish remains the same — simple ingredients coming together to create something deeply satisfying.
Over the years, Himmel und Erde became more than just a meal in our home. It carried stories of childhood, resilience, and family tradition, passed down from one generation to the next. Today, making it still brings back those memories — the smell of fried onions, the rustic texture, and the quiet reminder of how much meaning can be found in the simplest food.
This recipe is a part of our collection of traditional German recipes, featuring authentic dishes rooted in regional cooking and family traditions. It is also included in our collection of Lost German Recipes from hard times, highlighting simple meals shaped by necessity, thrift, and everyday survival.
What is Himmel und Erde?
Himmel und Erde, which translates to “Heaven and Earth,” is a traditional German dish made from potatoes (earth) and apples (heaven). The name reflects the ingredients themselves — potatoes grown in the ground and apples from the trees.
It’s especially popular in the Rhineland region and is typically served with fried onions and, when available, sausage or blood sausage.
Himmel und Erde (Traditional German Potatoes and Apples)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain well.
- While the potatoes cook, place the apples in a saucepan with a small splash of water. Simmer gently until soft but not mushy.
- In a skillet, slowly fry the sliced onion in lard or butter over low to medium heat until golden and lightly caramelized. Do not rush this step.
- Coarsely mash the potatoes, then gently fold in the cooked apples. The texture should be rustic, not smooth. The combination of earthy potatoes and the slight sweetness of the apples is what gives Himmel und Erde its characteristic balance.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with fried onions. Traditionally accompanied by blood sausage or a simple pork sausage.
Nutrition
Notes
- Himmel und Erde is meant to be rustic, not creamy. Avoid over-mashing.
- Apples should still have a bit of texture.
- Lard was traditionally used; butter is a modern but acceptable substitute.
Traditional Serving Note:
Himmel und Erde was often served with Blutwurst (blood sausage) or a simple pork sausage on the side, especially on Sundays or when meat was available. The sausage was never mixed in, but served separately alongside the potatoes and apples. Nutrition information does not include the optional meat.Himmel und Erde Recipe: Tips, Variations, and Storage
How to Serve
This Himmel und Erde recipe is delicious warm on its own, but traditionally it’s served with simple accompaniments that enhance its rustic flavors:
- Blutwurst (blood sausage) or a simple pork sausage on the side — it was common to serve the sausage next to the potatoes and apples, not mixed in
- A spoonful of buttery pan drippings or mild gravy for extra richness
- A dollop of unsweetened applesauce if you want a sweeter contrast
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp cabbage salad or a light pickled cucumber side to balance the richness.
Tips for Success
- Don’t over-mash the potatoes — Himmel und Erde is meant to be rustic.
- Use firm, tart apples (like Granny Smith) to hold their shape and balance the potatoes.
- Fry the onions slowly until they’re golden and sweet, not burnt — that’s where much of the flavor comes from.
- If using sausage, heat it gently so it warms through without drying out.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the potatoes and apples up to 1 day ahead, store in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or butter to restore texture.
Variations
- Savory onion variation: Add a small amount of sautéed garlic or leeks with the onions.
- Herb option: A pinch of fresh thyme or parsley stirred in just before serving adds aroma without overpowering.
- Cheesy finish: A light sprinkle of sharp cheese on top (like aged cheddar) gives a comforting, modern twist while staying simple.
Historical Notes
Himmel und Erde was historically made when potatoes and apples were staple foods — especially during hard times like wartime or post-war rationing, when meat was a luxury and simplicity was survival.
Originating in the Rhineland region of Germany, this humble dish reflects traditional regional cooking practices rooted in necessity rather than excess. It wasn’t fancy, but it was filling, comforting, and made with ingredients almost every household had on hand.
If you’re interested in preserving traditional German cooking, you can find more old-world dishes and desserts in our collection of traditional German recipes, many of which have been passed down through generations.
Recommended German Cookbooks
There’s only so much one recipe can show you about a tradition this rich — a few cookbooks I trust do a much better job of covering the rest of it. Or view my top favorites below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this dish sweet or savory?
It’s a balanced dish — the apples add subtle sweetness while the potatoes and onions keep it mostly savory.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes — omit the sausage and use butter or oil for frying the onions.
Why are apples used with potatoes?
Apples add moisture, subtle sweetness, and acidity that balances the earthy potatoes — a classic pairing in traditional German kitchens.
Can this Himmel und Erde recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes. Himmel und Erde can be made ahead and reheated gently. Store the potato and apple mixture in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a little butter or a splash of water to keep it from drying out. Fried onions are best made fresh and added just before serving.
What kind of potatoes work best for Himmel und Erde?
Starchy or all-purpose potatoes work best, such as russet or Yukon Gold. These potatoes mash easily while still allowing the dish to keep a rustic texture, which is traditional for Himmel und Erde.
Is Himmel und Erde the same as Hete Bliksem?
Himmel und Erde and hete bliksem are very similar traditional dishes, but they come from different regions and have slight differences in preparation. Himmel und Erde is a classic German dish made with mashed potatoes and apples, often served with fried onions and sausage or blood sausage. Hete bliksem, which comes from the Netherlands, also combines potatoes and apples into a mash, but typically uses a mix of sweet and tart apples and may have a slightly softer, more blended texture.
Both dishes were created as simple, affordable meals using staple ingredients, and they share the same comforting, rustic character. While not identical, they are closely related and reflect the same tradition of hearty, resourceful cooking.
