New England Clam Chowder

Name: 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 and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Oyster crackers and hot sauce, for serving