Easy Creamy Seafood Chowder (Cozy One-Pot Dinner)

Ingredients

• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480 ml) clam juice
• 2 cups (480 ml) seafood stock or low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 lb (450 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 cup (150 g) corn kernels, fresh or frozen
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 oz (225 g) firm white fish such as cod or haddock, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 oz (225 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 oz (170 g) sea scallops, halved if large
• 1 can (6.5 oz or 184 g) chopped clams, drained
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Oyster crackers or crusty bread, for serving