Easy Potato Soup With Bacon

Name: Easy Potato Soup With Bacon
Ingredients: 6 strips bacon , chopped; 1 small yellow onion , diced; 2 stalks celery , diced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced; 1 parsnip , peeled and diced; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 2 cups whole milk; 1 1/2 pounds ( 3 cups) peeled and chopped Yukon Gold potatoes; Fresh chives , garnish; 2 cups chopped bread , cut into 1/4-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 pinch kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper