The bread must be stale for this recipe. Either leave the bread cubes out on the counter for a few days until stale, or bake at 300 degrees in the oven for 30 minutes or until crisp.

Spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray and place the bread cubes in a large bowl.

Heat the butter in a sauté pan over medium low heat until melted. Once melted, increase the heat to medium and add the leek, celery and fennel. Cook 5 minutes or until softened, then add the garlic, herbs, salt and pepper and cook 30 seconds longer.

Pour the vegetable herb mixture over the bread cubes and mix well to combine.

Place 1 1/2 cups vegetable stock in a 2-cup measuring cup and add the eggs. Whisk or mix together with a fork until well combined and pour it over the bread mixture. Stir until the bread is coated with the stock-egg mixture and add more of the remaining 1/2 cup stock as desired — I only needed 1 1/2 cups.

Pour the bread mixture into the slow cooker and spread evenly. Cook on high heat for 30 minutes to get the outer edges crispy, then decrease the heat to low and cook for 1 – 2 hours longer or until heated through. Serve and enjoy!