Cheesy Sweet Corn Chowder with Bacon

Name: Cheesy Sweet Corn Chowder with Bacon
Ingredients: 8 ears fresh sweet corn, husked and pre-roasted or steamed; 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 3 cups water; 1 bay leaf; 4 oz uncooked bacon, chopped (see Recipe Note #1); 2 cup chopped onion; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 1/2 tablespoon dried thyme leaves; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste); 1/4 cup flour; 1 cup whole milk (you can combine with half-and-half or cream); 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into ~1/2 cubes; 4 oz American cheese, grated (see Recipe Note #2); 4 oz cheddar cheese, grated (see Recipe Note #2)