My Grandma's Crockpot Corn Chowder

Ingredients

• 4 cups frozen corn (or 6 fresh ears of corn, kernels removed)
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil)
• Fresh chives or parsley, chopped
• Crumpled bacon (optional)