Potato and Ham Chowder

Name: Potato and Ham Chowder
Ingredients: 5 slice(s) bacon, diced; 2 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter; 1/2 large onion, diced; 2 clove(s) garlic, minced (i usually use closer to 1 tablespoon); 15 ounce(s) can corn (white or yellow corn); 2 teaspoon(s) dried thyme (or 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped; 2 tablespoon(s) all-purpose flour; 5 cup(s) 2% milk; 2 large potatoes, cubed (i like red potatoes and don't peel them, but you can peel the potatoes, if you prefer); 2 1/2 cup(s) cooked ham, diced; 1 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt; 1 1/2 teaspoon(s) black pepper; 1 cup(s) shredded mozzarella cheese; - garlic croutons for garnish (optional)