Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? It’s one of those puzzle grids with absolutely no blank spaces, so if you correctly answer all the Across clues, the Downs will fill themselves in, and vice-versa. Read on for the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for Jan. 4, 2026.
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Ron Swanson’s “number one favorite food,” on “Parks and Recreation”
Answer: BACON
6A clue: It comes in black and green varieties, depending on ripeness
Answer: OLIVE
7A clue: Paramour
Answer: LOVER
8A clue: In bronze medal position
Answer: THIRD
9A clue: Feeling resentful, in slang
Answer: SALTY
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Streaks of lightning
Answer: BOLTS
2D clue: Hawaiian greeting
Answer: ALOHA
3D clue: The “C” of A.C.L.U.
Answer: CIVIL
4D clue: In the open
Answer: OVERT
5D clue: Knowledgeable, and proud of it
Answer: NERDY
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