A charcuterie board is a type of appetizer that is typically served on a wooden board or stone slab, either eaten straight from the board itself or portioned onto flatware. It features a selection of preserved foods, especially cured meats or pâtés, as well as cheeses and crackers or bread. The term "charcuterie" comes from the French words "chair," meaning "flesh," and "cuit," meaning "cooked," and refers to cured meat. The owners of shops specializing in charcuterie, known as charcutiers, became popular for their detailed preparation of cured meats and helped establish stylized arrangements of food as part of French culinary culture.

Charcuterie boards are customizable and can include a variety of components based on the occasion, season, or guests preferences. In addition to cured meats and cheeses, other items that can be included are sliced bread, crackers, fruit, pickles, spreads, and nuts. The boards themselves are typically made of wood or stone, such as slate or marble, to keep the foods cool during service. Other equipment present on the board may include cheese knives for guests to serve themselves, spoons and ramekins for portioning and holding spreads, and labels for the various meats and cheeses to help inform guests.

Charcuterie boards are popular appetizers in restaurants and private gatherings like house and dinner parties due to their ease of preparation. They have also become incredibly complex and expensive, featuring dozens of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments on display for followers and monetization on social media platforms like Instagram.

In summary, a charcuterie board is a type of appetizer that features a selection of preserved foods, especially cured meats or pâtés, as well as cheeses and crackers or bread, typically served on a wooden board or stone slab. It is customizable and can include a variety of components based on the occasion, season, or guests preferences.