Creamy Corn Chowder with Bacon

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon (cut into pieces)
• 1 large Vidalia onion (finely diced (about 1½ cups))
• 8 ears fresh corn (kernels cut off)
• 2 Tbsp butter (unsalted)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1.5 lbs Yukon gold potatoes (diced (about 3-4 medium potatoes))
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 5 sprigs fresh)
• 1.5 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh chives (for garnish)
• Flaky sea salt (for serving)
• Baguette (for serving (optional))