Prepare the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the breakfast sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through (8-10 minutes). Drain off any excess grease and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool slightly.

Combine Sausage and Cheese: In a medium bowl, combine the slightly cooled cooked sausage and the shredded cheddar cheese. Toss to distribute evenly.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.

Cut in Butter: Cut the cold butter into small cubes. Add the cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Add Buttermilk: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the cold buttermilk. Gently stir the buttermilk into the dry ingredients until just combined. The dough will be shaggy and slightly sticky.

Fold in Sausage and Cheese: Gently fold in the sausage and cheese mixture into the biscuit dough. Be careful not to overmix.

Shape Biscuits: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the biscuit dough out onto the floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a rectangle about 1 inch thick.

Cut Biscuits: Using a 2-inch biscuit cutter (or a sharp knife), cut out the biscuits. Try not to twist the cutter.

Re-roll Scraps: Gently gather the scraps of dough, pat them back into a rectangle, and cut out more biscuits. Repeat until all the dough is used.

Place on Baking Sheet: Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Brush with Butter (or Cream): Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Brush the tops of the biscuits with the melted butter. Alternatively, brush with heavy cream for extra richness.

Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.

Cool and Serve: Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. Serve warm with butter, jam, or honey.