Bacon:

• 8–10 bacon strips (divided)

Soup Base:

• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 2 celery ribs (chopped)
• 1 leek (finely chopped)
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 2–3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 3–4 small potatoes (red potatoes or Yukon gold, peeled and cubed)
• 2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
• 2 8 ounce bottles clam juice
• 1 tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups half-and-half (divided)

Seafood:

• 3 6 ½ oz cans whole clams, chopped into chunky pieces (no need to drain)
• 12 oz salad shrimp (bay shrimp)
• 12 oz crabmeat (shredded)

Seasonings:

• Bay leaf
• 1–2 Tbsp Old Bay seasoning (or more)
• Chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)