Creating Boston Baked Cod is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure a successful cooking experience:

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Mix Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.
4. Coat Cod Fillets: Place the cod fillets in the baking dish. Drizzle the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated.
5. Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese if using. Stir to combine.
6. Apply Topping: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cod fillets.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
8. Garnish: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. You can garnish with lemon slices or freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color.

These steps will guide you in crafting this incredible dish effortlessly.