Before even trying to mix your cream cheese with the other ingredients, it needs to be brought to room temperature. The easiest way to do this is to remove it from the refrigerator an hour or so before you plan to use it. If you need it right away, you can also zap it in the microwave. Simply remove the cream cheese from the box and foil packaging and place it on a microwave-safe plate or bowl. Microwave at 10-second intervals until the cream cheese is softened and easy to spread.