Cook the bacon in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Drain bacon on a plate lined with paper towels, reserving the drippings in the Dutch oven. Add the onion and garlic to the Dutch oven, and cook, stirring often, until slightly softened, about 3 minutes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and flour, add to the mixture in the Dutch oven and bring to a boil over high, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium.
Stir in the corn kernels, hash browns, cream-style corn, pepper and salt, and cook until vegetables are tender and the soup is thickened, about 3 minutes. Crumble the bacon and sprinkle over the soup. Sprinkle with the thyme or parsley, if desired.