Combine all ingredients except bacon in a 6 quart slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. At the end of cook time stir in cooked and crumbled bacon along with cream if you prefer to use it. (See note)
Serve with your choice of bread, crackers, or bagel chips.
Notes
If you want this more creamy like a chowder, then add in about 1/2 cup of cream right at the end of the cooking time or before serving along with additional butter.