Step 1

In the pot of a slow cooker, add diced onions and potatoes.

Step 2

Add 2 full cans of clams with juice and 1 can without clam juice. Discard remaining juice or save for another purpose.

Step 3

Add 1 bottle clam juice, thyme, salt and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir together.

Step 4

Cover pot and cook on high for 4 hours.

Step 5

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add in flour. Stir; mixture will be thick. Slowly add milk and the half and half. Stir and continue to cook over medium heat until thickened.

Step 6

Add mixture to slow cooker. Stir and cook on low for another 30 minutes.

Step 7

Ladle into bowls. Top with bacon. Serve with oyster or saltine crackers.