New England Clam Chowder

Ingredients

• 10 lb. clams in the shell, preferably cherrystone, scrubbed
• 4 oz. thick-cut bacon, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp. finely chopped thyme leaves
• 2 medium yellow onions, roughly chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 1⁄2 lb. new potatoes, cut into 1/4" cubes
• 2 cups heavy cream
• Kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• Oyster crackers and hot sauce, for serving