You should not leave cream cheese out at room temperature for longer than two hours.
Leaving cream cheese at room temperature (above 40°F) creates an environment where bacteria, such as Salmonella, can rapidly multiply. This can lead to food poisoning. After two hours, it's best to discard the cream cheese to avoid potential health risks. It's not worth risking illness over a spreadable cheese! Keep your cream cheese refrigerated to ensure its safety and quality.
