Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Heat a large (10 inch) well seasoned cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, add the sausage and the ground sage, stir to combine and break up the sausage. Cook and stir until browned.

Add the butter to the pan and stir. Once the butter is melted, sprinkle 4 tablespoons flour over the sausage and stir until no white specks of flour remain. Add the milk and pepper, stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release the tiny sausage pieces,let come to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low while you make the biscuits.

In a mixing bowl combine the flour, cheese, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Mix well, then add the milk and stir with a fork until a solid dough forms.

Turn off the stove then drop the biscuit mixture by the spoonful onto the gravy. Place the pan on a large metal cookie sheet, then bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are cooked through and lightly browned.