To really build the flavor (and keep anything from getting too mushy), ingredients are added in stages, and the sage goes in at two different times. Things do move quickly, though, so it’s best to chop everything before you begin.

Serves 8-10

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INGREDIENTS
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus more for pan
½ cup (packed) chopped sage, divided
1¾ tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt, divided, plus more
1 large white onion, chopped
2 large carrots, peeled, chopped
4 celery heart stalks, leaves removed, chopped
1 Pink Lady or other sweet-tart apple, scrubbed, cored, chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1½ cups chopped crimini mushrooms
3 cups unsalted vegetable stock or broth
1 tsp. onion powder
½ tsp. cayenne pepper
Freshly ground black pepper
2 (11-oz.) stale baguettes, cut or torn into ¾” pieces (about 12 cups)
1 cup dried cranberries

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 3½–4-qt. baking dish; set aside. Melt 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium-low heat. Add ¼ cup (packed) chopped sage, season with ¼ tsp. Diamond Crystal or Morton kosher salt, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 1 large white onion, chopped, 2 large carrots, peeled, chopped, and 4 celery heart stalks, leaves removed, chopped. Increase heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are slightly softened and onion is translucent, 5–7 minutes.

Add 1 Pink Lady or other sweet-tart apple, scrubbed, cored, chopped, 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped, 1½ cups chopped crimini mushrooms, 3 cups unsalted vegetable stock or broth, 1½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 tsp. Morton kosher salt, 1 tsp. onion powder, ½ tsp. cayenne pepper, and remaining ¼ cup (packed) chopped sage; season with freshly ground black pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until flavors have come together, 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and dip a piece of bread from two 11-oz. stale baguettes, cut or torn into ¾” pieces (about 12 cups), into the liquid; taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed.

Add 1 cup dried cranberries and remaining bread to vegetable mixture and mix until all of the liquid has been absorbed. Transfer dressing to prepared baking dish and bake, uncovered, until top is golden brown, 45–50 minutes.

Do ahead: Dressing (before baking) can be made 3 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. Bring to room temperature and bake before serving.