Step 1

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl or the bowl of a food processor, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter and mix with a fork, a pastry cutter, or your fingertips or pulse in the food processor until well combined and crumbly. If using a food processor, dump the mixture into a bowl.

Step 3

Add the cheese and toss to combine, using more cheese if you're into an intense Cheddar biscuit experience. Add the milk (or buttermilk) and stir just until the dough comes together. It may be necessary to add a little more milk (or buttermilk), 1 tablespoon at a time, just until the mixture comes together in a shaggy dough.

Step 4

For wedge-shaped biscuits, pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch (2 1/2 centimeters) thick on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Cut the circle into 8 wedges and separate them so that they are at least an inch apart. For round biscuits, pat the dough into a circle or square about 1 inch (2 1/2 centimeters) thick on your work surface and cut it into rounds with a biscuit or cookie cutter, rim of a glass, or end of an empty can. Move the biscuits to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently reshape any dough scraps and cut more biscuits.

Step 5

Bake the biscuits for 18 to 20 minutes, until golden. Let cool slightly. Best when served warm.