This is a "would you still use this?" Question... Should have added..

[lynn]

I left a block of cream cheese, unopened on the counter for 4 hours.  Can I put it back in he fridge and use it another day.   Is it okay to use or toss?  

Edited December 19, 2021 by lynn

[fraidycat]

I vote use. Some recipes call for using at room temp to be able to mix it.

[regentrude]

absolutely

[MEmama]

Use without question.

[mathnerd]

I actually set my cream cheese on my counter for a few hours so that I can use it at room temperature (as the recipe calls for) in cheesecakes and the like. It is fine.

[Katy]

It’s fine

[Farrar]

Obviously use it. There's a shortage! Who knows if you could even get more!

[freesia]

Yep

[Innisfree]

No hesitation at all. I do that on purpose to soften it.

[Shoeless]

Yes, you can put it back in the fridge and use another day. I wouldn't hesitate at all.

[lynn]

Thank you.

[Elizabeth86]

Yes! And I usually play it safe with food.

Edited December 20, 2021 by Elizabeth86

[Jean in Newcastle]

Of course 

[Carol in Cal.]

Absolutely.  You can tell it's going bad when it develops dark mold.  It's fine until that happens.  Cream cheese can last several days at cool room temperatures if the original foil packaging is intact, actually.

[J-rap]

Yes!  I've made cream cheese sandwiches for sack lunches at 8am that were eaten at noon many, many times.  (And left unrefrigerated during that time.)