3-Ingredient Thanksgiving Appetizers

When you're preparing a feast for a crowd (especially a meal like Thanksgiving, which involves complicated synchronization of oven racks and external appliances), the last things you're apt to cook are appetizers. But your guests will arrive hungry and need something to hold them over until the main meal starts. Instead of putting out nuts or a cheese plate, consider these super-simple appetizers that require only three ingredients each — because your shopping list is long enough.

This easy, elegant cocktail party standby works almost anywhere. Warm butternut or winter squash puree in a saucepan, then add some water to thin slightly and some heavy cream for richness. Serve in espresso, demitasse or small coffee cups with a sprinkle of fresh chives.

Salty-sweet raisin-walnut bread makes the perfect base for a slab of creamy Brie. Top with a slice of juicy pear — or crisp apple — for contrast.

Thaw and squeeze dry a package of frozen chopped spinach, then mix with thick Greek yogurt and a chopped clove of garlic. Chill before serving to let the flavors meld.