Looking for cheap ICs to use as a USB bridge to interface with atmega328p (Atmega16u2 is $$$)

I've done several designs using Microchip's MCP2221. It's very easy to use and requires no drivers for I2C communication and configuration on the PC since it's a HID device.

CDC driver is available and automatically installed for Windows. Mainline support in Linux.

Out of stock everywhere though.

https://www.microchip.com/en-us/product/MCP2221