Grilling season is right around the corner, but there's never a bad time to dig into a thick, juicy burger. Believe it or not, there's more to it than slapping some meat on the grill. Creating the perfect burger is an art. Read on for tips that'll ensure you have the hottest grill in your neighborhood.

The Meat

The beef really is the star of the burger show, so you want to get the best stuff. Tear yourself away from whatever lean-is-best ideas you have when buying ground beef. A little fat in your hamburger meat will help with the burger's flavor. So purchase 85% beef for your burger. Better yet, buy a nice piece of steak and grind it up in your food processor.

The Shape

This part is easy, right? Burgers are in the shape of a disk! But there's even a trick to forming your patties. When you throw your burgers on the grill, the edges will cook more quickly than the center because they're closer to the heat. This could give you a burger with charred edges and a rare center. Counteract this effect by making your burger patties a little thicker around the edges than in the center. Create a little dip in the center of your burger so that the center will cook at about the same rate as the edges. And just like with muffin or pancake batter, be delicate with your beef. For the best flavor and texture, don't handle it too much.

The Toppings

When it comes to toppings, the options are endless. You could have fried onion strings, caramelized onions, bacon, different sauces, different veggies from sprouts to the classic slice of tomato. And don't forget the pickles! If you're having a backyard barbecue, give your guests an array of toppings to choose from that'll please everyone from the plain cheeseburger guy to the veggie loving yoga enthusiast down the street.

The Bread

Texas toast, bulkie rolls, onion bread, even plain old lettuce—you can serve your burgers on just about anything that'll keep the toppings off your hands. But nothing beats an airy, slightly sweet potato bun, lightly toasted. It holds up to the burger's juices and doesn't overpower the burger's flavor, yet adds a hint of sweetness to counteract the tartness of the pickle. There's nothing like it! Click here for more info about potato buns.

Keep these tips in your back pocket for the next time you have a crowd over for burgers. The only other thing you'll need is a bag of chips, and you'll have a party!