> At a Glance
> – All 10 clues and answers for the Jan 4, 2026 NYT Mini Crossword are now available
> – Puzzle grid has zero blank spaces-every Across and Down answer interlocks
> – Why it matters: Players can check their work or get unstuck in seconds
The January 4, 2026 New York Times Mini Crossword is fully solved. The compact 5×5 grid offers a quick brain teaser with answers that span food, slang, and basic trivia.
Across Answers
All five Across entries are now public:
- 1A Ron Swanson’s top food: BACON
- 6A Black or green fruit: OLIVE
- 7A Paramour: LOVER
- 8A Bronze-medal spot: THIRD
- 9A Slang for resentful: SALTY
Down Answers
The Down clues complete the grid:
- 1D Lightning streaks: BOLTS
- 2D Hawaiian hello: ALOHA
- 3D ACLU middle word: CIVIL
- 4D Out in the open: OVERT
- 5D Proudly brainy: NERDY
Key Takeaways
- Every answer intersects, so solving one row or column can unlock the rest
- Clues blend pop culture, food, and common slang
- The full solution set lets players verify entries instantly
Puzzle fans can now review the complete answer list or use it as a next-day check.
