Caramelized Onion Dip Pretzel Skillet

Pretzel bites:

• 1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed but cold (or homemade)
• ¼ cup baking soda
• 1 egg
• Flakey sea salt or pretzel salt (optional)

Caramelized onion dip:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• ½ cup mayo
• ½ cup Old Home French Onion Dip
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Chopped chives, for garnish (optional)

1. Cut the bread dough into 16 pieces and shape into balls. Cover the dough balls with a kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm place for 30-60 minutes until they puff up slightly. Meanwhile, make the caramelized onion dip.
2. Melt the butter in a skillet over low heat and add the onions. Cover and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are caramelized and have a golden brown color, about 30-40 minutes. Transfer the caramelized onions to a bowl with the mayo, Old Home French Onion Dip, cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. Mix to combine.
3. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and grease a 12-inch skillet.
4. Once the dough balls are ready, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Slowly add the baking soda – it will bubble up. Working with a few dough balls at a time, drop them into the boiling water for 20-30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and arrange the dough balls around the edge of the prepared skillet, leaving the center open.
5. Spread the caramelized onion dip in the center of the skillet.
6. In a small bowl, mix the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the egg wash over the pretzel bites and sprinkle with salt.
7. Bake for 20 minutes until the pretzel bites are golden brown and the onion dip is bubbly.
8. Garnish the dip with chopped chives and serve while warm!