Forgot to take out the cream cheese in time to get it to room temperature? Not to worry! This hack on how to soften cream cheese quickly is a lifesaver for any creamy recipe!
While the cream cheese is still in foil, place it into a large bowl. Cover with very warm water and allow it to sit until softened.
Note: make sure to check the seams of the foil to make sure it is tightly sealed. If it isn't, the cream cheese may already be compromised and you may not want to use it. If you open up the packaging and there is water in with the cream cheese after you have thawed it in the water, this shows the packaging was defective.
TRADITIONAL METHOD:
Let it sit at room temperature: Depending on the temperature in your home, this can take anywhere from 1-3 hours.
MICROWAVE METHOD:
This is only recommended as a last resort. You can soften cream cheese in the microwave, but you have to be extremely careful while doing so.
Remove the wrapping. Cut cream cheese into cubes then place into a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave in 15-second intervals until softened. Check after each interval, cream cheese can begin to melt very quickly.
Notes
Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) for the answers to the most common questions.