NYT Mini Crossword Answers for January 4, 2026
Updated
Tap a clue to reveal its answer. By Joel Fagliano.
No spoilers until you tap Reveal.
Hint: letter count and first letter of every answer
1A B____ · 6A O____ · 7A L____ · 8A T____ · 9A S____ · 1D B____ · 2D A____ · 3D C____ · 4D O____ · 5D N____
Across
1A: Ron Swanson's "number one favorite food," on "Parks and Recreation"
BACON · more answers for this clue
6A: It comes in black and green varieties, depending on ripeness
OLIVE · more answers for this clue
7A: Paramour
LOVER · more answers for this clue
8A: In bronze medal position
THIRD · more answers for this clue
9A: Feeling resentful, in slang
SALTY · more answers for this clue
Down
1D: Streaks of lightning
BOLTS · more answers for this clue
2D: Hawaiian greeting
ALOHA · more answers for this clue
3D: The "C" of A.C.L.U.
CIVIL · more answers for this clue
4D: In the open
OVERT · more answers for this clue
5D: Knowledgeable, and proud of it
NERDY · more answers for this clue
Completed grid
Show the full grid
BACON
OLIVE
LOVER
THIRD
SALTY
FAQ
1-Across: Ron Swanson's "number one favorite food," on "Parks and Recreation"
BACON.
6-Across: It comes in black and green varieties, depending on ripeness
OLIVE.
7-Across: Paramour
LOVER.
8-Across: In bronze medal position
THIRD.
9-Across: Feeling resentful, in slang
SALTY.
1-Down: Streaks of lightning
BOLTS.
2-Down: Hawaiian greeting
ALOHA.
3-Down: The "C" of A.C.L.U.
CIVIL.
4-Down: In the open
OVERT.
5-Down: Knowledgeable, and proud of it
NERDY.