Half-and-half as the name suggests, is half of the milk and the other half of the cream. This results in a thicker liquid than just whole milk and is perfect for giving some thickness to dishes like mashed potatoes while giving a creamy texture and richness like that of milk. It is the middle ground between milk and cream. It is also used to make sauces, soups, and desserts and is often an excellent substitute for milk in many recipes.