In a large skillet, cook the sausage and chopped onion over medium heat until the sausage is browned and the onion is softened. Drain off excess grease.

Transfer the cooked sausage and onion mixture to a slow cooker.

Add the chopped pears and dried cranberries to the slow cooker.

Add the cubed baguette to the slow cooker.

In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.

Stir everything gently to combine.

Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, or until the bread is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Stir well before serving.