Heat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.

Prepare the seasoning mixture: In a small bowl, stir together the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, dried parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper. The mixture should be loose and easy to brush over the fish.

Arrange the cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Leave a little space between the fillets so they cook evenly.

Season the fish: Brush or spoon the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the cod fillets. Make sure the garlic and seasonings are distributed across the fish rather than concentrated in one spot.

Bake the cod: Bake uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The fish is ready when it turns opaque and flakes easily when gently pressed with a fork.

Check for doneness: For food safety, cook the thickest part of each fillet to 145°F (63°C) on an instant-read thermometer. If the fish is not yet at temperature, continue baking for 1 to 2 minutes at a time.

Rest and garnish: Remove the cod from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the optional fresh parsley and serve with the optional lemon wedges.