Preheat oven to 425˚F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
Add flour, baking power, sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and baking soda to a large bowl. Stir to combine.
Cut in 1/2 cup butter using two knives, a pastry cutter, or your hands until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup buttermilk, until just moistened.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.Knead the dough 8 to 10 times. Roll out until it's 1-inch thick. Cut into circles that are 2 to 2 1/2-inches in diameters.
Place biscuits 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with remaining buttermilk.
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until golden brown. Serve warm.