Four changes from a midweek win over Bayer Leverkusen in Europe was how the hosts lined-up as Leonardo Bonucci, Blaise Matuidi, Rodrigo Bentancur and Paulo Dybala started.
Juve hit the front when Ronaldo followed up Dybala's half-hearted attempt with a first-time volley from close-range inside the ninth minute.
That was the Portuguese superstar's fourth successive goal in his Juventus career, and Dybala audaciously made it two later on but after using his hand, the effort was disallowed.
Ronaldo grabbed a brace seven minutes to halftime after running behind the defence to get on to Higuain's through ball for a first time finish.
Juve's advantage tripled with the last kick of the half after Bonucci's header touched the underside of the crossbar before going over the goal-line.
Equalling Alessandro Del Piero's record for most appearances as a Juve player, Gianluigi Buffon rolled back the years with numerous saves off Kevin Lasagna minutes after halftime.
Maurizio Sarri had seen enough of his initial eleven and rolled out Federico Bernardeschi for the Argentine playmaker Dybala in the last 15 minutes.
Ronaldo was denied a hat-trick in the final six minutes when his shot from the near-side hit the post, as Udine netted a consolation at the death through Ignacio Pussetto, whilst Juve return to the top.